Volcanic Activity Summary:An explosion was detected at Cleveland Volcano in seismic and infrasound data this morning 04:20 AKST (13:20 UTC). The explosion produced an eruption cloud that was observed in satellite data to an altitude of up to 20,000 ft asl and moving to the east. AVO is raising the color code for Cleveland to Aviation Color Code ORANGE and Alert Level WATCH.

Remarks: The National Weather Service Alaska Aviation Weather Unit has issued an eruption SIGMET warning for aviation up to 20,000 ft above sea level. This may be revised as new information becomes available. Please see the NWS AAWU at http://www.weather.gov/aawu/sigmets for updated information on aviation warning messages.

Cleveland volcano is not monitored with a full real-time seismic network and this inhibits AVO's ability to detect unrest that may lead to future activity. We are able to detect explosive activity using infrasound and limited seismic instruments on the island.

The Alaska Volcano Observatory is a cooperative program of the U.S. Geological Survey, the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute, and the Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys.

VOLCANO ALERT LEVELS

NORMALVolcano is in typical background, noneruptive state or, after a change from a higher level, volcanic activity has ceased and volcano has returned to noneruptive background state.

ADVISORYVolcano is exhibiting signs of elevated unrest above known background level or, after a change from a higher level, volcanic activity has decreased significantly but continues to be closely monitored for possible renewed increase.

WATCHVolcano is exhibiting heightened or escalating unrest with increased potential of eruption, timeframe uncertain, OR eruption is underway but poses limited hazards.

WARNINGHazardous eruption is imminent, underway, or suspected.

AVIATION COLOR CODES

GREENVolcano is in typical background, noneruptive state or, after a change from a higher level, volcanic activity has ceased and volcano has returned to noneruptive background state.

YELLOWVolcano is exhibiting signs of elevated unrest above known background level or, after a change from a higher level, volcanic activity has decreased significantly but continues to be closely monitored for possible renewed increase.

ORANGEVolcano is exhibiting heightened or escalating unrest with increased potential of eruption, timeframe uncertain, OR eruption is underway with no or minor volcanic-ash emissions [ash-plume height specified, if possible].

REDEruption is imminent with significant emission of volcanic ash into the atmosphere likely OR eruption is underway or suspected with significant emission of volcanic ash into the atmosphere [ash-plume height specified, if possible].